Finding a furry friend: April is National Pet Month

Animals have always offered people a special relationship. National Pet Month attempts to recognize this companionship this month.

Staff members at Antietam Humane Society Inc., Waynesboro, are experts at matching animals with people interested in adopting from the animal shelter.

According to Christine Tyeryar, Antietam's office manager, adopting from a shelter is often less expensive than buying a pet from a breeder.
The fee for a dog from puppy to senior age is $120. Older dogs can be adopted for $80. Kittens up to 6 months can be adopted for a fee of $79.50, and cats 7 months and older can be adopted by giving a donation to the shelter. v
Fees includes having the animal spayed or neutered, microchipping, basic vaccinations and vaccination records, according to Tyeryar.

Although the fees are lower than most breeders, anyone interested in adopting from the shelter must complete an application. Applications must be approved by the shelter prior to adoptions, Tyeryar said.

Tyeryar suggests people adopt from the shelter before buying a pet from another source.

"Shelter pets make the best pets. The animals are very appreciative and they need a home," she said.

The shelter can also help with the pet after the adoption is complete. Owners are welcome to contact AHS to ask for advice and tips on training their new pet.

Even though countless adoptions have occurred, every animal adoption that takes place at the shelter is a special moment, according to Tyeryar.
"They (adoptions) are all unique and interesting.

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Whether it's the pit bull (terrier) who was here for over three years or the cat with special needs, it's unique to them," Tyeryar said.

Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter, Chambersburg, also has a simple process when it comes to adopting animals.

According to Jennifer Vanderau, CVAS communications director, the shelter asks all members of a family to come in and meet the animal before they adopt.

Like AHS, anyone interested in adopting must apply and be approved first. Vanderau provided insight into other costs that come along with owning a pet.

"There's food and vet care and supplies for your pet Rabies shots are required for any animal that spends any time in a home," Vanderau said.

CVAS has arranged adoptions as far away as Canada and Tennessee, according to Vanderau. She said the shelter staff make long-lasting relationships and often hear success stories from people telling them they cannot imagine their lives without their pets.

"They (pets) make a house a home. For all the trials and tribulations, it's all worth it when they crawl up on your lap and look at you like the sun rises and sets just because you're in the world," Vanderau said.

Vanderau recommends checking out http://www.petfinder.org, a national shelter and rescue site to find a shelter in any area.

Learn more

- Antietam Humane Society, 8513 Lyons Road, will have a rabies clinic April 3 and its annual golf tournament fundraiser on April 26. For more information, call 762-9091.

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